Power and liberationAn interpretation of parshat Bo (Exodus 10:1-13.16)RABBI LUCY H. F. DINNERFor generations women have sought liberation from societies in which their rights and powers have been limited. Women have struggled to prevail over both the emotional and physical roadblocks to liberation. From education to suffrage, from employment discrimination to abuse and harassment, time and again women have fought the battle for basic rights and dignity. Throughout the struggle, the battle has been inward as much as outward. Even with freedom well in reach, many do not feel that they can claim their just reward. And like the Israelites, the lack of self-esteem of many women keeps them psychologically, if not physically, in chains....In seeking freedom, one cannot overlook the importance of the inner changes that must accompany liberation. Women working side by side with men often still feel responsible for the bulk of household and parenting responsibilities. Those who are abused, once separated from the abuser, may not be able to envision a healthy relationship in the absence of abuse. These physical changes in status unaccompanied by a bold inner readiness for change keep the oppressed still locked in oppression. Freedom for the Israelites went beyond their release from Pharoah's grip. The Israelites did not move from being in slavery into assuming the dominating power that enslaved them, but rather, they sought their own vision of freedom in line with their belief in one God. Women reaching new freedoms in the workplace, political arena, university and home do not automatically assume the roles once held by men. Instead, we forge a new path reflective of our own wisdom and vision. Women are changing not only the roles we play in society, but also we are taking part in a redefinition of society. Complete freedom entails men and women both coming to understand freedom and power in a new light. ...Parshat Bo teaches us that the quest for liberation has to extend beyond physical release from persecution. True freedom demands more than loosened shackles: To be truly free, individuals need faith in their identity as free people and in their own unquestioned autonomy. As much as liberation is about release from forced servitude, it is also about the psychological and spiritual strength required to act according to one's will. From "The Women's Torah Commentary, New Insights from Women Rabbis on the 54 Weekly Torah Portions," edited by Rabbi Elyse Goldstein (Jewish Lights Publishing). Rabbi Lucy H.F. Dinner is the rabbi at Temple Beth Or, a Reform congregation in Raleigh, N.C. |
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